Caylee Caudill: Caylee Caudill completed her AppalachiaCorps internship with Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Paintsville, Kentucky, where she gained experience in a rural healthcare setting and worked alongside healthcare professionals serving Eastern Kentucky. Throughout her internship, Caylee observed patient care, interacted with patients, and learned more about the responsibilities of healthcare providers and the unique challenges that can affect access to care in Appalachian communities. The experience allowed her to strengthen her communication and professional skills while gaining a better understanding of compassionate, patient-centered care. Her time with ARH also reinforced her passion for improving healthcare in Appalachia and her goal of pursuing a career in medicine and eventually returning to Eastern Kentucky to serve the region. Caylee would encourage other students interested in serving Appalachian communities to participate in AppalachiaCorps because of the valuable professional experience, community connections, and opportunities for personal growth the program provides.

Isabella Frost: As an AppalachiaCorps intern with the Whitley County Health Department, Isabella Frost supported public health initiatives through social media outreach, community event planning, and participation in community events. Isabella helped create and share health-related content designed to educate and engage the community while assisting with efforts to promote health resources and services. Through these responsibilities, Isabella gained valuable experience in public health communication, teamwork, community engagement, and professional development while contributing to the health department’s mission of improving the well-being of the community.

Kinley Jones : Kinley Jones worked as an intern at Grace Covenant Ministries as an office associate supporting the organization’s housing, outreach, and children’s activities. Through Kinley's role as the office intern, she was able to complete projects including assisting with accounting tasks, communicating with donors, and keeping records of donor contribution. Kinley's favorite experience at Grace Covenant Ministries was writing “Thank You” letters to donors, stating, "Expressing thanks to our donors on behalf of Grace Covenant Ministries allowed me to see the importance of recognizing the people who support the organization and its mission.” Kinley suggests any student interested in service of Appalachia consider participating in AppalachiaCorps in the future!

Ava Slone: Ava Slone worked as a Dental Assistant and Sterilization Technician Intern at the UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center, a rural dental office through the AppalachiaCorps program. Through her role, Ava gained hands-on experience with sterilization and infection control, autoclave procedures, HIPAA, inventory management, and chairside assisting while working alongside the dental team and interacting with patients. Her internship allowed her to better understand the healthcare needs and barriers faced by rural Appalachian communities while developing her clinical and professional skills. One of Ava’s favorite parts of the experience was seeing the dental team provide compassionate, individualized care to patients and learning how small actions can make healthcare more accessible. “This experience gave me the opportunity to learn more about rural healthcare while also gaining hands-on experience that I will carry with me throughout my future career.” Ava encourages other students interested in serving Appalachian communities and gaining meaningful professional experience to consider participating in the AppalachiaCorps program.

Janessa Spencer: Janessa Spencer worked as an intern at The Boys and Girls Club of Appalachia as the Youth Development Professional Intern. Through Janessa's role as the Youth Development Professional Intern, she was able to complete lesson planning for children, design curriculum and content for specific age groups, and cultivate a learning environment suitable for growing minds of children. Janessa's favorite experience at The Boys and Girls Club of Appalachia was all of the children attacking her with water balloons during an afternoon recreational period. "Seeing the kids come to the club every week and genuinely have fun, make connections, and experience life fully at such a young age was my greatest reward this summer." Janessa highly encourages anyone interested in this program to get involved and get ready to make an impact!

Shyanne Couch: Shyanne Couch worked as an intern at AppalReD legal aid in Hazard, Kentucky. Throughout her experience she was able to attend court, learn about different types of law, draft legal documents, conduct legal research, communicate with clients, and engage with those in her community. Her favorite part of her internship was working with other individuals dedicated to helping Appalachians of all backgrounds. Shyanne highly recommends the AppalachiaCorps to any student interested in serving the amazing Appalachian region. “AppalachiaCorps is a way to better yourself professionally, but especially personally!”

Sara Springer: Sara Springer worked as an intern at Pikeville Medical Center by shadowing in the Heart and Vascular Institute and as a volunteer in the Lincoln Lawson Cancer Treatment Center. Through Sara's roles in the hospital, she learned about different structures, devices, tests, and terminology relating to the heart in the Heart and Vascular Institute. Through Sara's role in the Lincoln Lawson Cancer Treatment Center, Sara was able to make connections with the patients by talking with and listening to them, bringing them snacks, lunches, and warm blankets. Sara's favorite experience at Pikeville Medical Center was watching patients in the cancer center ring the bell to signify that they were cancer free, stating, "When I see the patients ring the bell and hear their speeches, I remember what all of this is for. When the days feel hard, I remember seeing them smiling and ringing the bell and know that helping and supporting them is what I'm there for." Sara suggests any student interested in healthcare in Appalachia consider participating in the AppalachiaCorps in the future!

Grace Yi: Grace Yi worked on an independent research project on ""AppalAsians"" or Asian Americans in Appalachia, under the guidance of her faculty mentor Dr. Kathryn Engle. She was the PI for the Stories of Asian Americans in Central Appalachia Oral History Project, and crafted much of its study design, questions, and procedures. She submitted the IRB request and networked to find participants. Grace researched and wrote a literature review summarizing the current state of scholarship on Asians in Appalachia. Finally, she is convening a roundtable panel on AppalAsians at the upcoming 50th Appalachian Studies Association Conference. She hopes that the work she did this summer will help anybody interested in Asians in Appalachia, whether that means helping historians document the growing diversity of Appalachia or giving somebody the chance to explore their identity. Her favorite experience was getting to talk to all the oral history interviewees and hearing their incredible stories; she wishes she possessed the strength and insight that they do. Grace suggests any student interested in serving Appalachia consider connecting with the Appalachian Center and AppalachiaCorps. She also encourages students to explore archives for stories and ancestral guidance that relates to them. And if those stories don't appear at first, don't fear finding them yourself. Grace participated in the program funded by the Robert M. Ireland Undergraduate Research Scholarship.

Sidney Acree: Sidney Acree worked as an educational resource intern at Appalshop, a media-arts institute in Whitesburg. Through Sidney's role, she was able to complete projects like creating documentaries, making an internship handbook, and putting together slideshows for staff meetings. Sidney's favorite part about her internship was seeing how many people are committed to preserving and celebrating Appalachia's culture. Sidney highly recommends Appalshop to any student participating in AppalachiaCorps in the future because of their commitment to providing a holistic and accurate representation of Appalachia.

Hassan Raza: Hassan Raza collaborated with the Cowan Community Center, where he contributed to projects focused on strengthening the organization’s funding opportunities, visibility, and community outreach. During his research, Hassan assisted with grant writing, conducted financial calculations to support grant applications, researched potential funding sources, and developed recommendations for increasing the Center’s visibility and awareness within the broader community. These recommendations included strategies for improving social media engagement and strengthening the Center’s overall outreach. Through his experience, Hassan applied his academic and analytical skills in a community-based setting while gaining valuable experience in nonprofit funding, strategic planning, and community engagement. He found the opportunity to contribute ideas that could support the Center’s long-term growth and sustainability especially meaningful and highly recommends the AppalachiaCorps program to students interested in applying their skills while learning from and serving Appalachian communities. Hassan was funded through a Graduate Student Research Award through the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment.

Nuren Dihan: As a researcher working with the American Red Cross, Nuren Dihan gained hands-on experience supporting disaster response and community service efforts. Through her research, she developed and strengthened skills in professional communication, teamwork, organization, problem-solving, adaptability, and working with diverse communities. One of her favorite aspects of the experience was collaborating with Red Cross staff and volunteers and learning how an organization responds to community needs and supports individuals during challenging situations. The experience provided Nuren with valuable professional and personal growth while connecting her academic interests in policy, evaluation, and community engagement with meaningful service. She encourages students interested in community service and professional development to consider participating in the AppalachiaCorps program. Nuren was funded through a Graduate Student Research Award through the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment.

Christina Burgess: Christina Burgess interned at a hospice organization serving four Kentucky counties through the AppalachiaCorps program. In this role, Christina supported hospice care operations, assisted with person-centered client assessments, and provided compassionate grief and end-of-life support to individuals and families across rural Central and Eastern Kentucky. Christina's favorite aspect of the experience was maintaining continuity of care over the summer, stating, "Building uninterrupted relationships with patients and their families allowed me to offer meaningful, consistent support during their most vulnerable moments." Christina strongly encourages any student dedicated to serving rural communities and advancing healthcare access to consider participating in AppalachiaCorps in the future!

Bridan Braun worked as an intern with Family Court Judge Jeniffer Neice through the Carter County Family Court System. In this role, Bridan observed court proceedings, reviewed case files, and gained firsthand experience with how the law directly impacts families in the community. This internship allowed Bridan to strengthen professional skills such as legal analysis, discretion, and cultural sensitivity while confirming a passion for pursuing family law. Bridan's favorite experience was witnessing positive moments in court, such as adoptions, which highlighted the hopeful and transformative side of the legal system. Bridan encourages any student interested in serving Appalachia and exploring meaningful professional growth to participate in the AppalachiaCorps program!

Emalie Tackett completed her internship through Pikeville Medical Center as an AppalachiaCorps intern by shadowing over 200 hours with different physicians in surgery and other specialties. She was able to see a wide variety of procedures and learned how doctors and nurses work together to care for patients. Her favorite part was being welcomed into the operating room and having physicians explain what they were doing, which gave her confidence that she is on the right path to becoming a doctor. Emalie is very thankful for the chance to take part in this program, especially so close to home in Eastern Kentucky, and she hopes to return as a physician one day to give back to her community. She encourages other students from Appalachia to take advantage of the AppalachiaCorps internship program because it is such a meaningful opportunity.

Rebecca Spradlin worked as an intern at Big Sandy Health Care as a premedical student intern. Through Rebecca's role as the BSHC intern, Rebecca was able to observe family medicine in a rural setting, interact with patients, and witness small in-clinic procedures. Rebecca's favorite experience at BSHC was speaking with patients about their medical histories, stating, "I loved getting to better know my future patient population and understanding the healthcare obstacles they face due to living in a rural area. I really look forward to serving Appalachia as a physician in my future and working to decrease these obstacles." Rebecca suggests any student interested in the service of Appalachia consider participating in AppalachiaCorps in the future!

Om Patel worked as an intern at Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) Highlands through the AppalachiaCorps program. In this role, Om assisted with various clinical and administrative tasks, supported staff in delivering quality patient care, and gained valuable exposure to the operations of a regional healthcare system. Om’s favorite part of the internship was triaging patients, as it allowed him to directly engage with patients. He encourages any student passionate about healthcare and service in Appalachia to consider participating in AppalachiaCorps.

Jillian Combs worked as an intern at the Challenger Learning Center. Jillian was able to help with museum exhibit renovations by using CAD, 3-D printing and circuitry. Jillian’s favorite experience is when one of her designs for a robotic arm started to work. Jillian enjoyed her time at her internship and the support she got from the AppalachiaCorps program and would recommend it to people who are considering participating in the future.

Brett Gibson worked as an intern with Big Sandy Healthcare at the Hope Dental Clinic in Salyersville, Kentucky. Brett had the opportunity to sterilize operating rooms and tools and provide general assistance to Dr. James Stambaugh. Brett's favorite experience with Big Sandy Healthcare was tagging along with Dr. Stambaugh during infection control, where they got to visit each dental clinic under Big Sandy Healthcare and assess the cleanliness of each location (with all clinics passing with flying colors). "Being able to witness daily clinic operations allowed me to understand the logistics behind dental clinics on a much deeper level. This experience will prove to be valuable for the rest of my career as it has given me a strong foundation in both the clinical and administrative aspects of patient care - insight that will help me become a more efficient, empathetic, and well-rounded provider." Brett recommends the AppalachiaCorps program to any student interested in serving in the Appalachian region.

Caylee Caudill worked as an intern at ARH Paintsville, a local healthcare clinic in her hometown through the AppalachiaCorps program. In this role, Caylee shadowed healthcare providers, observed patient interactions, and gained insight into the challenges of delivering care in rural Appalachian communities. Her favorite experience was learning how providers build trust and adapt care plans to meet the unique needs of patients. Caylee stated, “This experience strengthened my passion for medicine and my commitment to serving Appalachian communities in the future.” She encourages any student passionate about improving health and well-being in the region to consider participating in AppalachiaCorps!

Ren Kelley worked as an intern with the UK Monuments Project as the head researcher in Estill County. Through Ren’s role with the Monuments Project, he completed valuable research on the racial expulsions of 1871 and 1920 in Estill County. Ren helped lead three community workshops over the summer. Ren’s favorite experience was his trip to the Kentucky Gateway Museum where he spent time researching archival newspapers and visiting historic buildings. Ren highly recommends any student with an interest in Appalachian service to participate in the AppalachiaCorps program in the future.

Deysha Smith As an intern through the AppalachiaCorps program, Deysha Smith served at Williamson Health and Wellness Center- Behavioral Medicine Clinic, where she gained hands-on experience in the field of behavioral health and social work. Deysha's work included conducting client intakes, assisting with treatment planning, supporting case management, and participating in interdisciplinary team meetings. Deysha worked with clients facing a range of challenges including trauma, substance use, and mental health disorders, while learning to navigate the complexities of providing care in a rural, underserved community. This experience not only strengthened Ms. Smith's clinical and cultural competency skills but also deepened her passion for serving Appalachian populations through trauma-informed and client-centered care.

Jadyn Gevedon worked as an intern at Fleming County Social Services as an AppalachiaCorps Intern. Through Jadyn's role as an intern, she was able to create documents that provided community resources to families, shadow and help with paperwork on home visits, and aid in completing reports for case workers. Jadyn's most noteworthy experience at Fleming County Social Services was seeing the impact being made in the community while seeing the behind-the-scenes work firsthand. Through the program, Jadyn has created the possibility of returning and completing future practicums or careers with Social Services, stating, "It is amazing to know that this internship has provided me with connections to my future career goals! I am excited to display what I have learned further and possibly work in my hometown." Jadyn strongly encourages any student that has an interest in the Appalachian community to strongly consider participating in the AppalachiaCorps program in the future!

Ren Kelley worked at Kentucky Steam Heritage Corporation as an intern. Through Ren’s role, he was able to create effective advertising, create lists of community contacts, work at community events, and create a baseline for an exhibit on racial issues in Appalachia. Ren’s favorite experience was being able to operate a steam engine at the Members Day event, stating “I had never driven one or even been inside an engine while it was running, yet the boys took me onboard as if I’d always been there. I really look forward to being able to give others this same experience for years to come!” Ren suggests any student interested in Appalachian service consider completing an internship with AppalachiaCorps in the future!

Madison Thacker worked as an intern with the Sunup Initiative through the AppalachiaCorps program as the Racial Justice Intern. During her time with the initiative, Madison focused on researching the 1919 Corbin Expulsion and supporting community engagement efforts aimed at addressing racial injustices. Her projects included obtaining and organizing important historical documents and images, organizing local events, and assisting in academic research. Madison's favorite part of her internship was participating in community meetings where she witnessed firsthand the resilience and dedication of local residents. She noted, "Being part of the community's journey towards justice was incredibly inspiring and has solidified my commitment to working in social justice and counseling." Madison highly recommends the AppalachiaCorps program to any student passionate about making a meaningful impact in Appalachian communities.

Riccardo D'Amato worked as an intern at Kentucky Riverkeeper as a research intern. Through Riccardo's role, he assisted Kentucky Riverkeeper with preparing for their upcoming grant work in Fall 2024. Riccardo wrote two lengthy prototype county water histories for KRK's work in Letcher and Owsley County, participated in monthly board meetings, helped build connections with Kentucky Water Research Institute to create watershed maps for grant work coordination, and helped KRK coordinate with fellow non-profit LiKEN Knowledge. Riccardo will continue to work with KRK in the future, thanks to AppalachiaCorps, either through creating more county water histories as needed, or by training new hires in KRK to complete those documents themselves. Riccardo highly recommends any student seeking to gain experience either with the Appalachian region or with non-profit work as a whole to consider participating in AppalachiaCorps.

Ryan Gibson worked as a dental assistant intern at Big Sandy Healthcare. Through Ryan's role, he had the opportunity to prep operatories, clean and sanitize instruments, and assist with dental procedures. He also spent time on Big Sandy Healthcare's mobile dental unit. Ryan's favorite experience from his internship was helping out with a HeadStart outreach event in Inez, KY. "Being able to be a part of a kid's first experience with dentistry was really fulfilling," he says, "because you get the opportunity to make a good first impression that could set them up for a lifetime of good oral health." Ryan values his time spent in the AppalachiaCorps program and thinks students passionate about the region should get involved!

Jacob Johnson interned for Livelihoods in Knowledge Exchange Networks (LiKEN), a nonprofit that operates as a "link-tank" between Appalachian communities, scholars, activists, and resources to better build the region's tomorrow. In his internship, Jacob contributed significantly to LiKEN's Martin County land study and Heirs' Property foreclosure research projects. He also helped facilitated 3 Free Wills' Clinics, which produced an estimated 50 wills in Leslie, Johnson, and Breathitt counties at no cost. "This wasn't my first rodeo with AppalachiaCorps," Jacob stated, "and I still would just as strongly recommend it to any student interested, even if returning a second time."